The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Zambia

  • Moses, Iwobi absent as Eagles hold first training

    Moses, Iwobi absent as Eagles hold first training

    Super Eagles’ forwards Victor Moses and Alex Iwobi were among players conspicuously absent as the team held their first training session at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Tuesday.

    The Super Eagles are preparing to face the Chipolopolo of Zambia on Saturday in Uyo in an all-important 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier.

    According to the official twitter handle of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), the Eagles’ first training session saw a total of 19 players taking part.

    The two-hour training session began at about 4.30 p.m. and ended at 6.30 p.m.

    The players who took part in the training include Dele Ajiboye, Elderson Echiejile, John Ogu, Anthony Nwakaeme, Oghenekaro Etebo and Ikechukwu Ezenwa who arrived at the team’s camp on Monday afternoon.

    Also around were team captain Mikel Obi, Odion Ighalo, William Ekong, Leon Balogun, Ahmed Musa, Abdullahi Shehu, Wilfred Ndidi and birthday boy Kelechi Iheanacho who arrived late on Monday.

    Trabzonspor FC of Turkey midfielder Ogenyi Onazi, Olaoluwa Aina and Chidozie Awaziem who arrived on Tuesday also participated in the training.

    Two players on the team’s standby list, home-based Afeez Aremu and Ifeanyi Ifeanyi, were also part of the training.

    Among those missing from the training session were Iwobi and Moses Simon who arrived at about 4 p.m. on Tuesday.

    Chelsea winger Moses was yet to arrive at the team’s camp at the Le Meridien Ibom Hotel and Golf Resort as at 6 p.m. on Tuesday.

    The Eagles are expected to hold another open training session on Wednesday, including two more closed sessions on Thursday and Friday.

    A pre-match press parley is also scheduled to hold at Le Meridien on Thursday by 11.30 a.m. ahead of the match on Saturday.

    Meanwhile, Onazi was quoted on the NFF twitter handle as saying the team would give its all to ensure victory against the Chipolopolo of Zambia on Saturday

    “We will give it all it takes as far as football is concerned” -@OnaziOgenyi #NGAZAM #SoarSuperEagles.

    The NFF also took time to congratulate Iheanacho on the occasion of his birthday on Tuesday.

    “Happy birthday @NGSuperEagles forward @67Kelechi. Keep shining!’’, the Federation wrote.

    NAN

  • Victor Moses to Arrive Wednesday, Zambia Suffers Injury Blows

    Victor Moses to Arrive Wednesday, Zambia Suffers Injury Blows

    Nigerian international and Chelsea creative player, Victor Moses will join the other Super Eagles players in Uyo on Wednesday.

    Moses secured the team handles permission to resume late.

    He is the only players yet to resume to camp.

    The Nigeria Football Federation Tuesday  said Moses was given chance to rest and granted official permission to resume late.

    Meanwhile, It is not a good news for Zambia as two of thier professional players are injured.

    The Chipolopolo are in Accra, Ghana training for the all important game against Nigeria at the weekend in Uyo.

    The two foreign-based professionals player have however been withdrawn from the squad.

    Since platinum Stars ace Brian Mwila and K.V Oostende midfielder Emmanuel Banda can’t participate in the game after failing to recover from the injury, coach Wedson Nyirenda has since replaced the duo with Power Dynamos midfielder Alex Ng’onga and Zesco United’s John Ching’andu.

    Mwila endeared himself to Zambia fans after netting a brace in a 3-1 win over Algeria at the Heroes Stadium on September 2.”Brian (Mwila) will not be part of the team as he had a recurrence of the injury he suffered during the Algeria game.

    It is best to give him time to fully recover,”Team Doctor George Magwende said to Fazfootball.com.

  • Rohr calls up Mikel, Moses, Ighalo, 20 others for Zambia

    Rohr calls up Mikel, Moses, Ighalo, 20 others for Zambia

    Super Eagles’ Technical Adviser, Gernot Rohr, has called up 23 players for the all-important 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier against the Chipolopolo of Zambia in Uyo on Oct. 7.

    A statement from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Abuja listed team skipper Mikel Obi among the call-ups.

    China-based forward Odion Ighalo and England-based Victor Moses, who were prominent in the team against Cameroon earlier this month, retained their places.

    South Africa-based Daniel Akpeyi and Arsenal’s Alex Iwobi are however returning to the team after injury knocked them out of the sessions against the African champions earlier this month.

    Defenders Leon Balogun, Abdullahi Shehu, William Ekong and Elderson Echiejile also made the list, while midfielders Wilfred Ndidi, Ogenyi Onazi and Oghenekaro Etebo were also included.

    Ahmed Musa, Kelechi Iheanacho, Moses Simon and Anthony Nwakaeme also earned call-ups.

    Portugal-based goalkeeper Dele Alampasu dropped to the standby sector, alongside wing back Tyronne Ebuehi, with two home-based professionals, Ifeanyi Ifeanyi and Afeez Aremu, joining them.

    Both Ifeanyi and Aremu were part of the Super Eagles B team which finished as runners-up at the just-ended WAFU Cup of Nations in Ghana.

    All invited players are expected to report in Uyo on Monday.

    NAN reports that Nigeria host Zambia on Oct. 7 at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, with a minimum win needed to guarantee them a sixth FIFA World Cup appearance.

    Qualification will mean the Eagles are landing in Russia for next summer’s event ahead of the final qualifying match away to Algeria in November.

    THE FULL LIST

    Goalkeepers: Daniel Akpeyi (Chippa United, South Africa); Ikechukwu Ezenwa (FC IfeanyiUbah); Ayodele Ajiboye (Plateau United FC)

    Defenders: William Ekong (Bursaspor FC, Turkey); Abdullahi Shehu (Anorthosis Famagusta, Cyprus); Leon Balogun (FSV Mainz 05, Germany); Elderson Echiejile (Sivasspor FC, Turkey); Uche Agbo (Standard Liege, Belgium); Chidozie Awaziem (Nantes FC, France); Olaoluwa Aina (Hull City, England)

    Midfielders: Mikel John Obi (Tianjin Teda, China); Ogenyi Onazi (Trabzonspor FC, Turkey); Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England); Oghenekaro Etebo (CD Feirense, Portugal); John Ogu (Hapoel Be’er Sheva, Israel); Mikel Agu (Bursaspor FC, Turkey)

    Forwards: Ahmed Musa (Leicester City, England); Kelechi Iheanacho (Leicester City, England); Moses Simon (KAA Gent, Belgium); Alex Iwobi (Arsenal FC, England); Odion Ighalo (Chang Chun-Yatai, China); Victor Moses (Chelsea FC, England); Anthony Nwakaeme (Hapoel Be’er Sheva, Israel)

    STANDBY: Dele Alampasu (Cesarense FC, Portugal); Tyronne Ebuehi (ADO Den Haag, The Netherlands); Aaron Samuel (CSKA Moscow, Russia); Afeez Aremu (Akwa United); Ifeanyi Ifeanyi (Akwa United). (NAN)

  • Zambia Won’t Break Eagles Defence, says Leon Balogun

    Zambia Won’t Break Eagles Defence, says Leon Balogun

    As the Super Eagles prepare for next month’s decisive World Cup qualifier in Uyo, Nigerians have however been urged to disregard the mind games of the Chipolopolo of Zambia.Zambia defeated Algeria home and away in the last round of qualifiers and are now talking tough ahead of their game against the Eagles on October 7 in Uyo.

    But Leon Balogun, who was arguably one of the Eagles stand-out players in the double header against Cameroon this month, has made eight appearances for the Super Eagles since he made his debut in 2014.

    The Chipolopolo have reportedly concluded plans to train in Ghana for the game with the FAZ president, Andrew Kamanga, revealing that the former African champions would also camp in Spain.

    However, the Mainz 05, defender appeared not perturbed stating that there is no cause for alarm as the Eagles are well aware of the task ahead.

    “Zambia will not break our defense line. I am looking forward to getting the three points in the front of our crowd in Uyo” a very confident Balogun declared.

    “We are unbeaten so far in the World Cup qualifiers. The way we presented ourselves as a team so far, I think there is no need for one not to be confident.

    “I don’t say it’s not possible that we lose, but I want to win and I think the whole team wants to win and everybody wants to go to Russia and what better way to qualify than to do it in front of your fans.  So let’s all just be confident.”

  • Zambia win puts pressure on Super Eagles

    Zambia win puts pressure on Super Eagles

    Chipolopolo of Zambia kept up the pressure on Group B leaders, the Super Eagles of Nigeria on Tuesday by beating hosts Algeria 1-0 in Blida to stay firm in their new position.

    Zambia had beaten Algeria 3-1 in Lusaka on Saturday to move above Cameroon who were then with two points only from two draws in two games.

    Read also: ‘Super Eagles victory a wonderful Sallah gift for Nigeria’

    This had set the stage for Zambia to win on Match Day 3 and then Match Day 4 of the ongoing 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers Africa Zone.

    Zambia are now second in the group with seven points from four matches, after two wins, one draw and one loss.

    Cameroon are in third place with three points from four matches, after three draws and one loss.

    Read also: Buhari hails Super Eagles’ victory over Cameroon’s Indomitable Lions

    Algeria bring up the rear with one point from four matches, following one draw and three losses.

    This situation means Zambia still have a chance to upstage Nigeria, if they can beat the Super Eagles on Oct. 7 in Uyo.

    A win means they will be level on 10 points with Nigeria.

    Nigeria will then need to beat Algeria away on the final match day on Nov. 6 to win the group.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the group winners will qualify for the World Cup finals.

  • NFF pays Eagles full bonus, prepares for Zambia

    NFF pays Eagles full bonus, prepares for Zambia

    The Nigeria Football Federation has opted to pay players and officials of the Super Eagles the full match bonus for Monday’s crunchy 2018 FIFA World Cup encounter against the Lions of Cameroon in Yaounde, even though the tie ended in a draw.

    NFF President Amaju Pinnick disclosed this to the team on board the ARIK aircraft that flew the Nigerian delegation back from Yaounde on Tuesday morning.

    Excited players and officials applauded as Pinnick insisted it was just reward for a masterclass output by the Nigerian squad over the two legs of the most anticipated fixture of Group B.

    “When the draw was made last year, people said ours was the Group of Death. But you have stayed very much alive with scintillating performances and done the nation very proud.”

    The Member of CAF Executive Committee also disclosed on Tuesday morning that preparations for next month’s big encounter against the Chipolopolo of Zambia, at which the Super Eagles are highly expected to pick the World Cup ticket, has started in earnest.

    “Even before the conclusion of this second match against Cameroon in Yaounde, we had started the arrangements for the match against Zambia. The Chairman of Organizing Committee (NFF 1st VP, Barrister Seyi Akinwunmi) will travel to Uyo this week to see Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State and they will go through the check –list together.

    “Nothing will be left to chance. It is a very big match, and the way things have turned out against Cameroon, it is now an even bigger match than the ones we played against Cameroon. There must be no room for error.”

  • Algeria target first win against Zambia

    Algeria target first win against Zambia

    The Desert Warriors of Algeria will be looking to bounce back from their Saturday’s 3-1 defeat when they host Zambia today in Constantine, in a 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier. 

    For this encounter, they will want to keep their hopes alive by ensuring they retain the full three points at home.

    Coach Lucas Alcaraz’s troops remain rooted at the bottom of Group B with one point from two losses and a draw thus far.

    Looking at the Southern Africans, Zambia now occupy the second spot in the group with four points from one win, one loss and one draw.

    The win at home has motivated coach Wedson Nyirenda’s men as they will want to book their maiden spot at the global tournament in Russia.

    One of the goalscorers, Enock Mwepu said they must be ready for a tough match as the hosts will not be easy to beat at home.

    “It was my target to score on my debut and I am very happy to come in as a substitute to score. I believe we need to continue working hard so that we beat Algeria in the return match in their backyard,” said Mwepu.

    Although it will not be easy to bag a win in Constantine, the Zambians’ fighting spirit is what the Algerians must ensure they neutralise come Tuesday.

    This thrilling encounter will be staged Stade Mohamed-Hamlaoui in Constantine and kick-off is at 9pm Nigeria time.

  • Mahrez leaves Algeria camp to complete transfer

    Mahrez leaves Algeria camp to complete transfer

    Leicester City forward Riyad Mahrez has been allowed to leave the Algeria training camp to “formalise” a transfer on deadline day, the Algerian Football Federation said on Thursday.

    Mahrez, a key member of Leicester’s Premier League title-winning side in 2015-16 when he was voted PFA Player of the Year, has been the subject of bids from Italian club Roma.

    Read also: Iheanacho Unveiled as Leicester City Player 

    Several Premier League clubs are also likely to be keen to sign the 26-year-old, who has scored 35 goals for Leicester since arriving from French club Le Havre in 2014.

    A statement from the Algerian Football Federation (FAF) said Mahrez, preparing for World Cup qualifiers against Zambia, had been allowed to travel back to Europe.

    Read also: Mahrez: We didn’t let Ranieri down 

    “Mahrez was authourised by the national coach, Lucas Alcaraz, and FAF to make an express trip to Europe to formalise his transfer to his new club,” a statement said.

    “The selection will, therefore, fly without him Thursday morning to Lusaka to face Zambia on Saturday.”

    Mahrez has played in all three of Leicester’s Premier League matches so far this season.

    Also, check out: Ahead of 2018 World Cup Qualifiers: We can beat Nigeria, others to sole slot, says Algeria’s coach

    The English transfer window closes at 2200 GMT on Thursday.

  • Zambia to remain in ICC

    Zambia will not leave the International Criminal Court (ICC), a senior Zambian official said on Friday, citing the will of the majority of citizens.

    Minister of Justice, Given Lubinda, said the country would not pull out of the ICC after public hearings were conducted.

    “This is the position we are going to present to the African Union,” he said in a ministerial statement presented in parliament.

    He said over 90 per cent of the 3,489 submissions made in 30 districts across the country were against pulling out of the international court.

    The minister said stakeholders stated in their submissions that the country needed to make its own decision as a sovereign state and not be forced by other countries.

    The government conducted public hearings between March 27 and April 20 to get views from citizens on whether the country should remain or leave the ICC.

    The AU, at its 28th Summit in January, resolved a non-binding recommendation to pull out of the ICC after alleging that the court was only targeting African leaders.

    NAN

     

     

  • Rangers Int’l FC says goalkeeping worries over

    Rangers Int’l FC says goalkeeping worries over

    Rangers Int’l FC of Enugu Goalkeeper trainer, Suleiman Shuibu, says the club has overcome its goalkeeping injury crisis that affected it in the first stanza of the league.

    Speaking to News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Enugu on Wednesday, Shuibu said that goalkeeping injury crisis of the club was over.

    According to him, at the moment the club need not worry because a new goalkeeper, Saidu Matawakilu, is doing well.

    “At the moment we have a goalkeeper, Saidu Matawakilu, who is at the leadership of the goalkeeping for now.

    “So you do not need to change a winning team overnight.
    “We know that Nana Bonsu is the first choice goalkeeper no doubt, but Matawakilu is doing well at the moment.
    “Mutawakilu can be changed along the line when the need arise but for now, we cannot touch that area because it is a sensitive area in football,” he said.
    NAN reports that the club first choice goalkeeper, Nana Bonsu was injured in their match with Lobi Stars at the beginning of the season and was replaced by Itodo Akor, who was also injured before their exit from CAF competition.

    Rangers suffered injury in their goalkeeping department to an extent that Nana Bonsu had to be rushed back unfit against Zesco United FC of Zambia in their confederation second leg match in Zambia.

    “At the early stage of the season, it was unfortunate that we could not clear all the goalkeepers in our rank.
    “We only succeeded in registering three goalkeepers and out of the three, Emmanuel Daniel left to South Africa and we were left with two.
    “Along the line, the two keepers were injured but we have to manage what we have but all that is over now,’’ he said.

    He said that the other goalkeepers were cleared in the mid-season transfer window and that the club was happy that the injured ones were back to fitness.